Goodwill

December 16

Day 20

Listen to: “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”

“Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men begin and never cease" I don’t know about you, but I long for the day when goodwill is all we have…no ill will to be found. But this line from our Hymn reminded me that goodwill has already begun and will never stop. While ill will happens, goodwill is not absent. That is good news! I also love the reminder of where all good things originate, from God in Heaven. The ending lyrics of this song conjure in me a vision good pouring out from heaven onto the earth. Perhaps that pouring looks a little like the vision in Jacob’s ladder or Angels going up and down from heaven to earth.

What does goodwill from heaven look like for you? May you remember the good that was started at Christmas.

Activity with Kids:

Imagine what goodwill from heaven looks like to them.

Move the angel forward one note.

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watched their flocks by night All seated on the ground The angel of the Lord came down And glory shone around

"Fear not", said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind "Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind"

"To you, in David's town this day Is born of David's line The Savior who is Christ the Lord And this shall be the sign"

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed All meanly wrapped in swathing bands And in a manger laid"

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appeared a shining throng Of angels praising God, who thus Addressed their joyful song

"All glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men Begin and never cease"